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GHSA, GHSA Basketball, Predictions

Sandy’s Spiel Super Sleepers (Update 1/6/15)

 

Class AAAAAA

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2015-16: Harrison: (7-7, 2-3)
2014-15: Harrison: (10-17, 4-10) 

The Hoyas have played well and are right in the thick of things in Region 4, battling for a top four seed heading into the region tournament. DJ Rowe was expected to be a big piece of the puzzle this year at the guard position, but he is no longer with the program. Juniors Juwan Owens and Tate Coston have played exceptionally well in his absence. In Tuesday’s 61-59 overtime win over North Cobb, Owens finished with 23 points. The heart and soul of the Hoyas however is senior forward Austin York. The big man has manufactured buckets inside and has shown touch from the perimeter. He posted 15 points and 11 rebounds in the win. The Hoyas have the bulk of their region schedule ahead including two meetings with No. 6 McEachern. Harrison should be in-line to capture a state playoff berth, but if they aren’t able to, expect them to play the role of spoiler down the stretch.

Class AAAAA

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2015-16: Houston County: (5-7, 0-1)
2014-15: Houston County: (10-16, 0-7)

Houston County has played a challenging non-region schedule to get ready for 2016. The Bears have seen 5-star forward Khavon Moore and Westside-Macon three times this season and took 1-of-3. A 55-50 overtime loss to 1A-Private No. 8 Whitefield Academy early in the season was a promising sign that the Bears have enough talent to stick with anyone. Their best win of the season came against 9-3 Dublin, 88-77. The Bears have a balanced attack which is spearheaded by DL Hall, Jaylon Golds and Amari Colbert. Kolbey Singleton, Marquis Traylor, Javion Johnson and Zion Johnson also get the lion’s share of minutes. In Region 2B, the Bears are stuck with No.10 Warner Robins, Jones County and Northside-Warner Robins. They will need to play good ball to get into the postseason, but they have more than enough talent to get the job done.

Class AAAA

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2015-16: Stephens County: (12-4, 1-0)
2014-15: Stephens County: (8-19, 3-7) 

At 12-4, the Indians are off to the best start of any Super Sleeper and have already surpassed last year’s win total. Stephens County won the Apple Classic in Walhalla, South Carolina and will enter region play with good momentum even after a 68-58 loss to Hart County. Nunu Walker, DeUndra Singleton and Ty Nails have played well for the young team that features just three seniors. Walker is a junior guard, while Singleton is a 6-foot-7, 240-pound sophomore and Nails a 6-foot-4 freshman. Stephens County’s best wins have come against 10-4 Madison County, 69-66 and 8-7 Jackson County, 50-46. Region 8 is wide open this year with Madison County, North Hall, White County, Buford and Monroe Area all contenders.

Class AAA

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2015-16: Pepperell: (8-5, 3-0)
2014-15: Pepperell: (11-15, 5-5) 

In teeny-tiny Region 5, the Dragons are emerging as a front-runner to capture a top two seed. In 5B, Rockmart (2-10) and Cedartown (3-7) don’t look like challengers. In 5A, lies No. 8 Callaway (5-3), Central-Carrollton (7-5) and Haralson County (0-14). Malech Wilson, Austin Strickland and Thomas Eddy have led the charge. Coach Skip Matherly sports eight seniors and six sophomores on their roster, giving them a blend of experience and youth. Currently the Dragons are on a six-game winning streak entering the heart of region play. Key tilts on Jan. 15 and Feb. 2 against Callaway will determine how legit Pepperell really is.

 Class AA

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2015-16: Social Circle: (6-8, 0-2)
2014-15: Social Circle: (8-14, 4-8) 

Only two teams, Riverside Military (6-5) and Washington-Wilkes (7-5), are above .500 in Region 8. The Redskins are in last place in the region at 0-2, but have plenty of time to catch the three leaders that sit at 2-1. Junior Deion Head continues to be one of the best players in the region. He is averaging 18.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, 6.6 assists and 3.7 steals per game. One area for improvement in order to take his game to the next level would be his three-point shooting. He is an unfathomable 2-of-46 from beyond the arc, good for a miniscule 4%. The Redskins shoot just 21% from deep and will need to find some perimeter threats if they want to make the playoffs. Freshman Nick DeBoer is the team’s best shooter at 36% from three. He is averaging 9.4 points per game. Senior Zae Jackson adds 8.9 while sophomore Antonio Dorsey is posting 7.6 points and 8.0 rebounds on average. Senior Tommy Johnson leads the team in rebounding at 8.1 to go along with his 6.9 points per game.

Class A

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2015-16: Pinecrest Academy: (7-7, 1-4)
2014-15: Pinecrest Academy: (10-15, 4-8)

Balance has helped the Paladins get off to a steady start. Three players average double figures with two others scoring over 7 points per night. Seniors Zayne Rice and Adam Rocko have been consistent scorers. Rice averages 12.4 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.6 steals while Rocko goes for 10.2 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.6 steals. Junior John Crone pitches in 10.3 points per game. Seniors Santi Villar and Matt Howell both average over 7 a night. 1A-Private is wide open this season, but Region 6B looks too tight for the Paladins to bust into the playoffs. No. 2 St. Francis and No. 8 Whitefield Academy are among the seven teams ahead of the last-place Paladins in 6B.

GHSA, GHSA Basketball, Predictions

Sandy’s Spiel Super Sleepers

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There is no hiding it. My favorite time of year, basketball season, is finally here. To get ready for the season, I have narrowed down a few teams that I would classify as Super Sleepers. Not just sleepers, but teams that haven’t eclipsed the .500 mark in a few years and are finally ready to do so.

Class AAAAAA

allIn the most competitive classification in the state, the perennial powers remain the same, but Harrison (10-17, 4-10) may be in line to capture its first winning season since 2011-12 and fight for a playoff seed out of Region 4. Hillgrove has lost a ton via graduation and transfers from last year’s 23-6 team and are expected to take a step back while 21-8 McEachern could be the favorite to win the region. North Cobb and Kennesaw Mountain both made it as the No. 3 and No. 4 seeds, but nothing is set in stone for 2015-16. Harrison proved last season that they can play with some tough competition, losing to 5A semifinalist Cedar Shoals 54-53, beating Hillgrove 51-41, beating McEachern 69-61 and losing to 4A runner-up Carrollton 54-47. Seniors Austin York and DJ Rowe give coach Clay Crump a nice one-two punch and solid leadership on the floor. Junior guard Tate Coston is also expected to make a big impact on the Hoyas. They will face some good tests throughout the season (Sequoyah, Berkmar, Houston County) and should be a tough out once region tournament play comes along.

Class AAAAA

1428092996_houston_county_bearsHouston County (10-16, 0-7) plays in the difficult Region 2B with the likes of No. 7 Warner Robins and No. 9 Jones County, but coach Stephen Walls has a nice group back that is in search of its first winning season in over five years. The Bears actually snuck into the playoffs after a winless regular season in region play and fell to LaGrange 60-41.Strong guard play will carry the Bears. Leading scorer junior Amari Colbert averaged 10 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists per game as a talented do-everything guard. Senior forward Javion Johnson is an elite leaper and chipped in 8 points and 8 rebounds a night last season. Jaylon Golds pitched in 10 points and 5 assists as a junior and brings quickness to the Bear backcourt. Marquis Traylor from Missouri brings over some size and athleticism inside. As a junior he averaged 7.7 points and 6.3 rebounds while showing off his hops, blocking 1.3 shots per game.

Class AAAA

imgresThough they haven’t enjoyed a winning record since 2012-13, Stephens County (8-19, 3-7) could find themselves playing meaningful basketball into the months of January and February. After a slow start to the season, the Indians under coach Chad Bridges began to play better and will try to carry that momentum over to 2015-16. Junior guard Nunu Walker is a talented scorer. Senior Tay Jones will play another big role along with sophomore Deandre Singleton, a 6-foot-6, 260-pound center. The Indians played Region 8 opponents hard, losing to Johnson-Gainesville (29-1) 54-46 in overtime and to Monroe Area (18-12) 47-45. With the graduation of some key pieces along the region, Region 8 should be a dog fight for the top four seeds.

Class AAA

imgresIt has been a while since Pepperell (11-15, 5-5) has been over .500, but that still didn’t stop the Dragons from making an appearance in the state tournament, sneaking in as a No. 4 seed. Coach Skip Matherly returns seniors Thomas Eddy, Austin Strickland and Rickey Campbell along with sophomore Malech Wilson, giving the Dragons some nice experience. They will need to replace high-scorer DeSean Ware, but Pepperell won’t be the only team in Region 5 losing talent. Rockmart and Callaway have lost some important players as well.

Class AA

homelogoSocial Circle (8-14, 4-8) has slowly begun to improve under head coach Ken Aldridge. He took over a 1-22 program after the 2012-13 season and improved to 3-23 before finishing 8-14 last season. The Redskins narrowly missed out on a playoff berth, but proved they could play with the competition. No. 3 seed Union County (17-12, 8-4) struggled with the up and coming Skins, actually splitting the series with Social Circle taking game one 49-48, before the Panthers won game two 68-67. Junior guard Deion Head is a big time player and averaged 16.8 points and 5.3 assists last year.

Class A

Trapped in thelarge_text158141_80739 devastatingly tough Region 6, Pinecrest Academy (10-15, 4-8) still stands a chance of reaching the elusive .500 mark. Ryan McCarthy and John Crone are a duo of highly experienced juniors that give coach Jay Lynch solid options. The playoffs aren’t likely in the cards, but expect the Paladins to be very competitive.

GHSA, GHSA Basketball, Predictions, Score Atlanta

GHSA High School Basketball Preview & Predictions

Move over March Madness, the GHSA State Basketball Tournament has begun and with it brings the new phrase, “February Frenzy”. No ice storm can prevent some of the best players in the state from taking the court and putting on a show for all in attendance. A few Tuesday games have been pushed back to Wednesday due to the weather, but the action has already begun. It’s time to break down the brackets and see how things might pan out.

Class AAAAAA

            There is no shortage of dangerous teams in the tournament this year. Defending champ  Tift County (26-1) have to potential to set up a rematch of last year’s state title with Wheeler (25-2) if the two schools are able to advance to the Elite Eight in the bottom right side of the bracket. A potential dark horse is No. 3 seed, North Gwinnett (14-13). After a slow start, the Bulldogs have won eight of their last ten games and are led by the explosive Kam Calhoun. They first will have to get past Dacula (19-8) who is loaded Kevon Tucker, Keshawn Gibbs, and Derek St. Hilaire. The top right bracket features an interesting first round matchup between Langston Hughes (21-7) and Hillgrove (21-5). The youthful Panthers are led by sophomores Chuma Okeke and Khalil Cuffee. Cuffee however has been sidelined with an ankle and is questionable to play. Coach Ed Morris has built Hillgrove into a perennial power and guards Collin Sexton and Jourdan Julian make them a tough out. Tucker (26-2) has transitioned to 6A smoothly after dropping to rival Miller Grove a year ago in the 5A Elite Eight. Auburn-signee Bryce Brown leads the Tigers along with running mates Avinde Russell and Jonathon Stephens. No. 2 Duluth (20-8) is another battle tested team coming out of Region 7. Anthony Showell, Joseph Gordon, Khair Jefferies are all lethal surrounding AJ Cheeseman and Obinna Ofodile inside. The top left bracket seemingly will lead to a crash course between Norcross (25-3) and Pebblebrook (23-5). The Blue Devils have won 16-straight games and would meet the Falcons in the Elite Eight. High Point-bound Ricky Madison and Rayshaun Hammonds fuel the Norcross front court. A tussle with Pebblebrook’s Derek Ogbeide (UGA) and guards Ty Hudson (Clemson) and Jared Harper would make for one of the best games in the tournament. Shiloh (23-3) looks like the favorite to come out of the bottom left. Kareem Brewton and Josh Okogie give the Generals a dynamic duo that can challenge any tandem. Prediction: Tift, Tucker, Pebblebrook, Shiloh

The girl’s field may be the strongest in all of the state. The lower left side of the bracket is loaded with North Forsyth (23-4), Parkview (24-3), and Osborne (24-2). On the top side, Westlake (27-2) already survived a scare from Hillgrove, but things won’t get any easier as they play the winner of Woodstock (26-1) and West Forsyth (21-5). It will be a tough matchup for Woodstock who is coming off their first loss of the season in the Region 5 championship against Pope. The Wolverines are not very big, but use their great guard play to get past opponents. Sophomore Devyn Lowe is the next in a long line of great guards, as she was named Region Player of the Year. West Forsyth will feed Maryland-signee Jenna Staiti the ball inside. The six-foot-five versatile post is no stranger to big games as she already has a 42 point 17 rebound game under her belt this season. Defending champions McEachern (18-5) is grouped with the likes of Mountain View (22-5) and South Forsyth (24-4) who they would likely meet in the second round. South Forsyth was ranked No. 1 in the state for a majority of the season before tough back-to-back losses to West and North Forsyth to end the season. The War Eagles look to be back on track however as they revenged their loss to North Forsyth by beating them by three to win the Region 6 title. Sarah Myers averages over 20 points per game and is heading to Maryland. Archer (24-5) headlines the bottom right quadrant but Harrison (19-7) and Pope (24-4) should not be slept on. Prediction: Osborne, Norcross, Mountain View, Archer

Class AAAAA

Miller Grove (25-3) is the favorite to win their seventh straight title. Alterique Gilbert is one of the best floor generals in the state and has the hands of a thief. Lamont West gives the Wolverines an inside presence both offensively and defensively.  If Apalachee (19-8) can meet the Wolverines in the Elite Eight, expect Kamar Baldwin to put on a show. The do everything guard averages 27 points and 10 rebounds per game. Allatoona (25-2) looks to be the favorite coming out of its quadrant and would likely face Miller Grove in the Final Four. Bradley Brevet, Ephraim Tshimanga, and Rodney Brown are all dangerous for the ‘Bucs. McIntosh (28-0) is the only undefeated left and should make a deep run behind Jordan Lyons, Will Washington, and Dishon Lowery. Gainesville (24-4) is an extremely dangerous No. 4 seed in the top left quadrant. The Red Elephants feature a balanced attack which is led by Mississippi State-commit D’Marcus Simonds. Along with Simonds, freshman Xavier Bledson, Luke Maddox, and Messiah Dorsey are all dangerous. Freshman forward Bailey Minor is also an x-factor. Prediction: Miller Grove, Allatoona, McIntosh, Gainesville

The field is wide open in the girls bracket. Brunswick (27-0) is a favorite, but they are in a loaded bracket which features Sequoyah (25-3), Stephenson (24-5), and Grovetown (22-5). The Sequoyah Chiefs feature an intimidating frontline anchored by sisters Kelley and Lauren Hartman. Megan Garcia is a three-point specialist that needs to be watched from deep. Greenbrier (25-3) and Mays (24-2) should meet in the Elite Eight. The lower right quadrant seems like the weakest out of the four as No. 1 Hiram has already been disposed of by Miller Grove (15-11). Prediction: Brunswick, Forest Park, Northside, Greenbrier

Class AAAA

Reigning champs Jonesboro (27-1) is on a warpath to repeat. A date with Johnson-Gainesville (27-0) would make for an interesting Elite Eight game. Ty Cockfield averages 28.4 points while running mate Rod English pours in 19.5 a night. The Knights have had some close calls as of late, but Jeff Steele’s team does not know what it’s like to lose. Columbia (18-10), last year’s runner up, is one of the rare teams that can match Carrollton (25-2) inside. Micaiah Henry will go chest-to-chest with Carrollton big man and Georgia Southern-signee Montae Glenn. Avi Toomer and Grady (14-14) could be a surprise No. 3 seed to come out of the upper left quadrant. Lithonia (25-2) is a favorite to make it to the final four. Prediction: Liberty County, Jonesboro, Lithonia, Columbia

Much like the boys team, Jonesboro (27-1) looks like the team to beat. In what could be a state title matchup, the Cardinal would have to face Buford (26-3) who was runner up in AAA last season. St. Pius (26-4) is also in the loaded quadrant. Louisville-signee Asia Durr has been a one woman wrecking crew averaging 31.8 points per game, but her lack of help will be too much to compete with more balanced teams. Veterans (28-1) is dangerous and should battle Marist (22-4) to come out of their side of the bracket. Last year’s champion, Redan (19-7), will have an uphill battle as the No. 4 seed. Carrollton (21-7) meets the Raiders in the first round, and Americus-Sumter (27-1) still looms in their quadrant. Prediction: Burke County, Jonesboro, Americus-Sumter, Veterans

Class AAA

Tookie Brown of Morgan County (20-7) stole the show last year and will look to do so again this season. South Atlanta (25-4) would make for a formidable foe if the two schools met in the Elite Eight. At 7-21, Jefferson snuck into the postseason and is the ultimate Cinderella story. Its bracket is not a kind one as both Laney (26-1) and East Hall (22-5) reside in it. Laney is the likely favorite to win it all this year. The Wildcats’ offense features five players averaging over eight points per game led by JaShawn Brooks’ 13.1. Laney will host No. 4 seed North Clayton (16-12). The Eagles are paced by Reginald Scurry and Taiyon Hector. Jenkins (24-3) is someone who might meet Laney in the title. Malik Benlevi, a Georgia State-signee, is back healthy after a lengthy absence and should give Jenkins a go-to scoring threat. The Warriors fell to Laney by 11 this year. Prediction: Laney, South Atlanta, Cedar Grove, Jenkins

Dawson County (27-0) is the only undefeated team after South Atlanta (27-2) lost in the region title game and then was upset by Washington County (23-6) by three on Tuesday. Dawson County has the strongest low post game in the state headed by Sheyenne Seabolt (15.6 & 7.8) and Ashley Parker (13.4 & 9.3). Karlie Bearden is a defensive stalwart and also averages 8.4 rebounds to go along with 11.5 points and 2.6 blocks. Decatur (27-2) and Kendrick (26-2), last season’s AA champs, look to duke it out for a Final Four spot. Jefferson (21-6) and Beach (23-5) are likely second round foes. The winner should be a front runner to make the Final Four. Peach County (23-3) is the hottest team in their quadrant. The Trojans are anchored by guard Nausia Woolfolk who pours in 25 points, 7.7 rebounds and an absurd 7.1 steals per game. Prediction: Dawson County, Decatur, Beach, Peach County

Class AA

Holy Innocents’ (23-5) is the most dangerous No. 3 seed in the tournament. Crawford County (23-3) could pose problems for defending champ GAC (18-9) in the second round. Pace Academy (25-2) is the favorite to win it all, but a meeting with potentially Vidalia (26-2) in the Elite Eight could cause mismatches. If Reggie Reid can get hot, Harlem (23-4) could creep into the Final Four. Reid, a FGCU-signee, flirts with a triple-double on average going for 22.6 points, 9 rebounds and 8.4 assists per game. Lovett (13-14) is a battle tested four seed that will get a chance to upend No. 1 Manchester (19-8). Prediction: Holy Innocents’, GAC, Pace Academy, Seminole County

Pelham (27-1) and Holy Innocents’ (27-0) have stood out as the teams to beat this year. The two are favorites to meet in the Final Four. Manchester (24-2) has won 22-straight and could meet the Hornets in the Elite Eight. Last year’s runner up, Wesleyan (21-7) faces a tough quadrant that holds Putnam County (23-5), No. 4 Dade County (17-9), and McIntosh County Academy (17-10) all teams with quality wins this season. Vidalia (24-4) may have a chance to thwart Holy Innocents’ championship hopes if they meet in the Elite Eight. Prediction: Thomasville, Wesleyan, Holy Innocents’, Pelham

Class A

The draws come out soon, but even without them there are some heavy favorites. In the Private bracket, St. Francis (25-3) will look to defend its title, but Greenforest (24-1) is a long talented team who could steal the show. FSU-bound Malik Beasley teams up with Xavier-signee Kaiser Gates and 5-star junior Kobi Simmons to give St. Francis one of the most talented teams in the state. Greenforest is no slouch either. Justin Ravenel, Precious Ayah, Justin Forrest, and John Ogwuche should all play at the next level. And don’t forget 7-foot-1 center Ikey Obiagu who anchors the paint inside for the Eagles. Athens Christian (27-0) point guard ‘Turtle’ Jackson is signed at UGA. The public side features Calhoun County (26-2) and Hancock Central (23-2) who will attempt to knock off Wilkinson County (24-4) from its perch. Prediction: St. Francis & Hancock Central

A loaded girls friend features St. Francis (24-3) as the favorites to take the Private crown, but defending champion SW Atlanta Christian (25-3) will look to hold off the Knights other strong challengers. Taylor County (27-0) leads the public field with Claxton (22-4) and Turner County (25-2) as head contenders. Prediction: SWAC & Turner County